Jim Irsay Was a Man of Action and Compassion

Jim Irsay, the well-respected owner of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, was not known for sitting by idly. On and off the field, Irsay championed causes near to his heart. Inspired by his beloved mixed-breed dog Drake, Irsay donated $1 million to develop Drake’s House, an Indianapolis shelter dedicated to providing animals in need with care and love. He also donated millions to Kicking the Stigma, an initiative that Irsay, his daughters, and the Colts launched in 2020 to raise mental health awareness and destigmatize mental illness.  

When Irsay learned that an orca named Lolita (also known as “Tokitae”) had been kept in a small concrete tank at the Miami Seaquarium for over 50 years, he pledged $20 million to build and transport Lolita to a seaside sanctuary in her home waters in Washington state, where she had been abducted from her family. After a decades-long PETA campaign, the Seaquarium finally agreed to Lolita’s transfer. Tragically, though, the marine theme park waited too long. Lolita died before she could have any semblance of a natural life. Still, Irsay’s pledge garnered widespread attention and sparked a broader awakening of the plight of captive animals worldwide. 

Irsay found other ways to advance animal rights. Under his watch, the Colts’ home field, Lucas Oil Stadium, offered a plethora of fabulous vegan options, including smoked tofu couscous, cauliflower wings, and other delicious game-day grub. Irsay reconfigured his private plane by replacing leather and wool in the carpets, seat covers, headliners, and sidewalls—all with the Colts logo—with animal-free materials. He then named it the Blue Vegan. 

Every one of us can change hearts and minds by setting an example with our own kind choices.